CINCINNATI — First Student has named Jim Ring as senior contract manager for the company’s location here. He will oversee all transportation operations for the four operating lots. This includes oversight of safety and maintenance for school districts that First Student serves in the area, such as Cincinnati Public Schools. 

“We are pleased that Jim has joined our team,” said Tim Pfizenmayer, region operations manager for First Student. “He brings a wealth knowledge and experience in the transportation industry that will benefit our employees as well as the schools and students we serve.”

Ring joins the First Student team with more than 20 years of experience in the transportation industry. He spent the majority of his professional career with UPS, where he held a series of progressive roles. Ring was also a district field manager for DHL Express, where he managed operations, improved customer service and led employee health and safety strategies. Most recently, he was the regional transportation manager for Lowe’s.

Ring holds a bachelor’s degree in business management from Barrington University.

In other news, four First Student drivers were recently recognized by the National Safety Council with the Safe Driver Award of Honor for their outstanding driving records and dedication to safety.

The drivers, along with 142 private sector transportation drivers from across the U.S., were honored for driving a minimum of 15 years or 250,000 miles without a preventable accident.

The First Student employees honored were Roy Lineberry of Charleston, Ill.; Michelle Tate of Naperville, Ill.; Brenda Taylor of Dalton, Ga.; and Daisy Walker of Naperville, Ill.

“To possess the driving and safety records these drivers have is a tremendous accomplishment,” said Linda Burtwistle, president of First Student. “Their commitment to the safety of the students they transport is unparalleled and is something every driver should seek to emulate.”
 
Each of the First Student drivers recognized has extensive experience in the student transportation industry. Lineberry has more than 23 years of experience, while Tate has 20 years of experience. Walker has worked in the industry 21 years and Taylor has served students for more than 30 years without missing a day of work.